Betty Lou Kennedy

February 8, 1935—July 22, 2023

Just as the dawn was preparing to grace the sky on Saturday, July 22nd, Betty Lou Kennedy was making her transition from this earthly life into the loving arms of Jesus. Surrounded by her family, Betty, age 88, breathed her last breath and is now in the presence of the Lord. The daughter of Edward Klundt and Clara Lavina May, Betty Lou was born on February 8, 1935 in Dayton, Washington. She was born at home (on Richard Ave) and was named after the nurse of the doctor who delivered her and her Great Aunt Louella. She joined siblings Raymond Wallace Switzer, Audrey May Switzer, Barbara June Klundt and Marvin Edward Klundt. Audrey is the only sibling that is still living.

As a first-grade student, Betty attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Dayton where the teacher taught all of the eight grades and even cooked lunch for the students. As she grew a little older, she would roller skate to and from school. During this period of her life, this country girl’s dream was to become a cowboy! She graduated with the class of 1953 from Waitsburg High School where she was a majorette and cheerleader. Following her high school graduation, Betty attended St. Mary’s Nursing Academy in Walla Walla, WA where she studied to become a registered nurse.

While working as a dedicated and compassionate nurse, Walla Walla would also introduce Betty to the love of her life, William (Bill) Eugene Kennedy. Bill was a Walla Walla native and was employed by Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company following his military service and college studies. The couple’s first date was a double date with Bill’s sister and brother-in-law. They would marry on June 15, 1957 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Walla Walla. Soon, the couple were blessed with a son, Timothy James Kennedy. A job transfer would bring the young family to Moses Lake, WA whereby two more children were born: daughter Rosanne Elizabeth Kennedy and son William Aaron Kennedy. Eventually, after moving to Yakima, WA, for an additional job transfer, another child would be added to the family with the birth of Patrick Edward Kennedy. Over the course of Betty’s nursing career, she worked at St. Mary’s Hospital, Walla Walla; The VA Hospital, Walla Walla; Good Samaritan, Moses Lake; and Kadlec, Richland, WA. She also worked at several nursing care facilities while her children were in college.

Betty Kennedy is survived by her husband of over 66 years, Bill Kennedy of Yakima. She is also survived by her children Timothy Kennedy of Bellevue, Rosanne Kennedy Bacon (Bruce) of Yakima, William Kennedy of Renton, and Patrick Kennedy of Seattle. Her grandchildren Jennifer Bacon Sudbury (Thomas), Laura Bacon Caudill (Matthew), Thomas Bacon, and William Bacon (Holle) and her great-grandchildren Elijah Sudbury, Noah Sudbury, Jacob Sudbury, Malachi Sudbury and Foster Bacon also survive her.

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, August 3rd, 3:00pm, at the chapel of Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church, 9 S. 8th Avenue, Yakima, WA. The family would like to thank MultiCare Memorial Hospice Team, and caregivers Adrianna, Shanna, and Jeannette for caring for Betty with excellence and sensitivity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com for the Kennedy family.